Reply to Does FCPS test for Dyslexia/Dysgraphia?

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Reply to "Does FCPS test for Dyslexia/Dysgraphia?"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I believe my rising fourth grader has dysgraphia. In third grade when writing assignments increased in frequency and frequency, it became really evident. All the signs were there. I reached out to his school this summer with the question this was their reply:

“[b]Regarding your reference to dyslexia, please note that schools do not diagnose medical conditions such as dyslexia. A formal diagnosis would need to come from your child's physician or a licensed evaluator outside of the school system[/b].”

So I guess I have to do private testing? Does FCPS really do no testing at all if there are concerns related to writing?[/quote]

The bold is just wrong, and, frankly, illegal.  Dyslexia is not a medical condition. It is an alternative name for a special type of specific learning disability in reading.  When a parent informs the school that the parent suspects 1) a disability that 2) adversely impacts education and 3) needs special instruction, the school is obligated under IDEA law to hold a specifically constituted meeting within 30 days to determine whether there is a “reasonable suspicion of disability.” If the IEP team, of which you and anyone you choose to invite is a full and equal member, determines at this screening meeting that there is a suspicion of disability, the school is obligated to assess “all areas of suspected disability” and within 60 days convene an “eligibility determination” meeting at which the team decides if the student has 1,2 &3 and thus qualifies for an IEP, if so there is an IEP meeting within 30 days to write the IEP.

Write the school back, note that it is inappropriate for the school to require you to get your own testing for dyslexia. State clearly that you believe your DD has disabilities (dyslexia, dysgraphia and whatever else you think), describe how there are adversely impacting her education (doesn’t have to be “bad grades”) and that you think she needs special instruction in reading and writing and therefore want her assessed in all areas of suspected disability. Request that an IEP team be convened and suggest a couple of dates that you would be available. Close by saying that you, “look forward to resolving this matter without having to resort to my due process options.”

PS - Summer is no reason for the school to take more than 30 days to convene a screening meeting. IMO, I would do it ASAP. If you gather documentation of the trouble in school (emails to teacher, bad marks in reading or low placement, excessive time, poor quality work, etc., you really should pass screening without trouble. By the time you get to eligibility determination in 90 days, school teachers will be able to provide current evidence of adverse impact.

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